About Us

KidTalks Public Speaking Academy was created after a decade of extensive participation in youth public speaking programs and years of teaching this important skill to kids. By combining real-world insights from both the instructor's and student's perspectives, we've developed a course that's simple, effective, and fun. Learn more about us here.

Jennifer Berman

Jennifer Berman

Co-Founder & Coach

Jennifer Berman, also known as “Miss Jen,” is a business owner, real estate investor, education fundraiser, and public speaking teacher. She has grown her real estate practice over the last 30 years, while also developing programs and events to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for education in her community. When her daughter Olivia joined the 4-H public speaking program in 2015, Jennifer realized the importance of spoken communication and the transformative power of mastering these skills. Since that pivotal moment, she has been teaching young people to craft and deliver dynamic presentations. In 2022 Jennifer was named “Volunteer of the Year for Youth” by the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation in recognition of her extraordinary fundraising efforts for education and more than 1,000 hours volunteering to teach public speaking in the 4-H program. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from UC Santa Barbara and lives in Santa Ynez, CA, with her husband Steve. They have two daughters, five mules, and a miniature donkey named Matt. For more about Jen’s story, read her feature in Santa Ynez Valley News.
Olivia Berman

Olivia Berman

Co-Founder & Coach

Finding confidence as a public speaker in the 4-H Public Speaking Program changed Olivia Berman's life. Once too shy to speak up in class, she became the California State AAUW Speech Trek winner in 2020 and a four-time California 4-H State Platinum Presentation award winner. Now as a dedicated 4-H leader and mentor, Olivia remains steadfast in her commitment to empowering other young people to unlock their potential through public speaking. You can view Olivia's AAUW speech here.